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About last Sunday night in the dark I was departing LAX on a redeye. We pulled away from the terminals (maybe 500m?), made a right. Looking back out the window I saw a BIG lighted X (maybe 20? 30? foot high - really bright!) flashing. I guess it was one of THESE but it had four rather than five per arm and REALLY bright. (I grabbed a completely hopeless video; I'll try to add it later.)

Now, just the previous day there was that incident at LAX where an airliner hit a supply truck, and toppled over the truck (some people in the truck were hurt even I believe).

Can the sign be used on situations other than runway closure? For example:

  • almost certainly some drama, such as the mentioned truck-jumbo incident, or
  • is it actually just a normal control sign that goes on an off? (Perhaps, to indicate "don't cross here, someone else is crossing" - or whatever.)

My impression was that it was at the "side" of a runway or taxiway, that is to say, as if crossing it. (Of course, my impression could be totally wrong.) Would these Xs be used in that way, or, only at one end of a runway?

kevin
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Fattie
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  • Is there any specific portion that is not answered in the linked question? The way I see it, the linked question completely answers it. If that is not the case, perhaps you may wish to edit to clarify. – kevin May 30 '17 at 04:28
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    The big "X" is a "don't land here, this runway is closed" indicator. Taxiways that are closed get orange cones and flashing yellow lights, very much like you see for roadway construction. The difference being, the closed runway needs to be obvious as such miles away, while closed taxiways only neef to be understood as closed from a hundred yards away or so. – Ralph J May 30 '17 at 04:39
  • I edited the question (hopefully) to put more emphasis on what you're asking. If I'm wrong feel free to edit. – kevin May 30 '17 at 04:40
  • no worries, thanks – Fattie May 30 '17 at 05:12

1 Answers1

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There are a couple of different NOTAM's stating runway closures at KLAX, including the below. Bear in mind that runways are closed regularly for maintainence (resurfacing) just like roads. No drama about that.

LAX 05/189 LAX RWY 07R/25L CLSD DLY 0800-1300 1705300800-1706011300

LAX 05/157 LAX RWY 07L/25R W 1300FT CLSD. DECLARED DIST: RWY 07L TORA 9665FT TODA 9665FT ASDA 9255FT LDA 0FT. RWY 25R TORA 10808FT TODA...

LAX 05/156 LAX RWY 07L CLSD TO LDG 1705252200-1708190659

There are also several closed taxiways.

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